Hot Springs Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Arkansas Parks and Tourism
Photo provided by Visit Hot Springs
Photo provided by Arkansas Parks and Tourism
Photo provided by Arkansas Parks and Tourism
Photo provided by Arkansas Parks and Tourism

This Arkansas city has it all: a colorful past of gambling and gangsters, vintage stores, restored Victorian architecture, national parks and famous natural springs.

Hot Springs has been a popular destination for centuries. The city draws visitors from all over the world with its intriguing past, natural thermal springs and a revived arts scene.

Immerse yourself in the history of the city. Hot Springs in the 1800s was a hotbed for organized crime. Infamous gangsters like Al Capone, Bugs Moran, Frank Costello and Lucky Luciano came here to hide amid the corruption that was endemic to the city. Visit the Gangster Museum of America to learn about this side of Hot Springs’ history. At the museum, you’ll see vintage slot machines and old roulette tables while you learn about the city’s notorious gambling past.

The historic Victorian downtown has beautifully restored buildings housing independent boutiques, galleries and art studios. Ride on a riverboat to Historic Bathhouse Row, the eight bathhouses built between 1912 and 1923. Two of the structures, the Buckstaff and the Quapaw, are still in operation as bathhouses. The the Fordyce Bathhouse is now a visitor center where you can see rooms restored to what they would have looked like when the building was operating as a bathhouse in the early 1900s.

In the Fine Arts District, do a Gallery Walk or Antique/Boutique Walk and peek into the historical buildings that have been transformed into art studios. Sports fans can explore the Hot Springs Baseball Trail and walk in the footsteps of White Stockings players the team is now the Chicago Cubs.

With plenty of parks and the Ouachita Mountains surrounding the city, Hot Springs has a wealth of outdoor activities. Bring a tent and camp at Catherine Lake, Hamilton Lake or Ouachita Lake. Walk through Garvan Woodland Gardens, hike through the Hot Springs National Park or boat around St. John's Island. After a long day of sightseeing, unwind in a relaxing spa with a massage.

The nearest airport to Hot Springs is in Little Rock, which is 55 miles (89 kilometers) northeast. With most attractions in walking distance and an effective public transportation system, Hot Springs is an easy city to get around or simply relax in.

Where to stay in Hot Springs

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Lake Hamilton

Lake views, hot springs and shopping are some highlights of Lake Hamilton. You might stop by Hot Springs Mall or Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf while you're in the area.

Lake Hamilton
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Lake District

If you're spending some time in Lake District, Hot Springs Mall and Hot Springs National Park are top sights worth seeing.

Lake District
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Rockwell

Visitors to Rockwell enjoy its lake views, and if you want to do some exploring, Ouachita National Forest is worth a stop.

Rockwell
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Midtown

While visiting Midtown, you might make a stop by sights like Family Fun Park and Central Bowling Lanes.

Midtown
Hot Springs which includes rides and a sunset

Downtown

While visiting Downtown, you might make a stop by sights like T-Rex Fun Spot and Bank of the Ozarks Arena.

Downtown
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Oaklawn District

While visiting Oaklawn District, you might make a stop by sights like Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort and NPS Visitor Center.

Oaklawn District
Arlington Resort Hotel and Spa

Arlington Resort Hotel and Spa

2.5 out of 5
239 Central Ave, Hot Springs, AR
The price is ₹10,270 per night from 15 Aug to 16 Aug
₹10,270
₹13,053 total
15 Aug - 16 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Hot Springs. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,814 reviews)
"The Staff was so wonderful and very accomadating. I really enjoyed the historic hotel."

Reviewed on 19 Jul 2025

Arlington Resort Hotel and Spa
The Hotel Hot Springs

The Hotel Hot Springs

3 out of 5
305 Malvern Avenue, Hot Springs, AR
The price is ₹10,805 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
₹10,805
₹12,372 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Hot Springs. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a free local area shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,809 reviews)
"Overall our stay was great. We wanted this hotel mainly for the views. Those did not disappoint. I requested highest available and was able to get the second highest floor. Views were beautiful! The complimentary breakfast was not great. We have two children and there wasnt any of the pancake/waffles ..."

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

The Hotel Hot Springs
Baymont by Wyndham Hot Springs On the Lake

Baymont by Wyndham Hot Springs On the Lake

2.5 out of 5
5321 Central Ave, Hot Springs, AR
The price is ₹7,702 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
₹7,702
₹8,473 total
4 Aug - 5 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Hot Springs. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,015 reviews)
"Nice property on the lake! Great views! Relaxing!"

Reviewed on 23 Jul 2025

Baymont by Wyndham Hot Springs On the Lake
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Los Lagos at Hot Springs Village a Ramada by Wyndham

Los Lagos at Hot Springs Village a Ramada by Wyndham

3 out of 5
1 Los Lagos Way, Hot Springs Village, AR
Stay at this 3-star condo in Hot Springs Village. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,531 reviews)
"My 5th time staying here and it’s always a pleasant stay. Just hate my kids could not swim."

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Los Lagos at Hot Springs Village a Ramada by Wyndham
Tall Pines Inn

Tall Pines Inn

2.5 out of 5
3 Pivot Rock Rd, Eureka Springs, AR
Stay at this cabin in Eureka Springs. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and private pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (264 reviews)
Great stay!
"Great location, and courteous owner."

Reviewed on 20 Jun 2025

Tall Pines Inn
Table Rock Landing Resort

Table Rock Landing Resort

3 out of 5
1 Landing Dr, Eureka Springs, AR
Stay at this 3-star condo in Eureka Springs. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Beaver Bridge - Little Golden Gate and Eagle ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (40 reviews)
"Enjoyed everything the front office was very friendly and polite. My stay was special 3 year anniversary with my boyfriend and we felt very welcome. Thank you Table Rock Landing Resort. Will be coming back soon!!"

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2025

Table Rock Landing Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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